Sunday, July 21, 2024
Today’s readings present the enduring image of God as the Good Shepherd, a central theme in the Holy Scriptures. This timeless image speaks to God’s unchanging, omnipresent love and care for people. His grace provides meaning and purpose to His creation and gives His people the strength and sustenance to live faithfully according to His will. When we hear and freely accept God’s will, we grow in holiness, live fully, and have the promise of eternal life.
In today’s Old Testament reading, the prophet Jeremiah denounces Israel’s unfaithful leaders. They scattered the people instead of doing God’s will by shepherding and providing for their needs. Sadly, we know of many examples of people in authority who have put their needs and desires ahead of their people’s: rulers, politicians, priests, teachers, and even parents who violated the will of God and the trust of the people. By contrast, the Responsorial Psalm for today, Psalm 23, beautifully articulates the tender care of the Good Shepherd who leads His flock to green pastures and still waters and protects them even in the darkest valleys. The sheep fear no evil, for the Good Shepherd gives courage.
In today’s selection from his Epistle to the Ephesians, St. Paul writes that Christ has broken down the dividing wall between Jews and Gentiles, reconciling both to the Spirit of the Father in one body through the cross. This unity, brought about by Christ’s sacrifice, makes all the faithful part of one spiritual community under the care of Jesus. The Good Shepherd not only redeems His flock but dutifully and gently cares for it. Last week, we read that Jesus sent His disciples out to preach the Gospel, drive out demons, and heal the sick. Jesus, the Good Shepherd, we read in today’s Gospel, took His Apostles to a place to rest when they returned and reported all they had done to Him.
The Good Shepherd’s flock, the Church, is called to continue His mission of gathering, guiding, and caring for all people. Bishops, priests, and those called to Religious Life are entrusted with those responsibilities. We, the faithful, are also called to shepherd others with compassion, love, and care modeled after the Good Shepherd’s. Caring is providing for the poor and needy. It is being concerned about the well-being of all people everywhere. It is advocating for the ones who are silenced, unheard, or without a voice. It’s about standing with the marginalized and calling out evil in all the ways it manifests itself.
Let us avow today to soften our hearts and remain receptive to the compassionate guidance of the Good Shepherd, who calls us individually and guides us toward a holy life. Let us, in turn, endeavor to serve as benevolent guides to one another, embodying Christ’s merciful love.
Go in Peace to Love and Serve the Lord.